How to start SAP training and get experience in Saudi Arabia?

[Former Member]

Dear SAP Mentors:

I study at Al-Yamamah University in Riyadh pursuing the career of Business Administration in Finance. I was chosen from my University for University Alliance program in 2009 in UAE. Since, the information gap in Saudi Arabia is comparatively large - I want to know whether there are institutes in Saudi Arabia and particularly in Riyadh for training in finance modules. I want to get FI certification after my graduation and I would like to know, how should I start and/or weather there are distance learning program where I can get registered for training and certification.

Similarly, for my first job hunting there are no vacancies available in Saudi Arabia in the search list. I talked to Jeff Word during the university alliance program and his suggestions were that before getting training for a particular module - look for a company which offers SAP programs. However, there are no listing available for companies offering Job in finance sector. Please, let me know what should I do before I graduate next year in February and where should I go for SAP training and certifications.

Yours Truly,

Umair Jafri

[fim]

Dear Umair,

You don't see relevant opportunities in job portals as the hiring process isn't yet mature; companies do hire the local talent and they prefer to hire fresh graduates and develop them for their long-term SAP commitments. In Eastern Province, ARAMCO, SABIC, SEC etc implemented SAP and they developed their teams.. Western Province has on-going implementations and by time you graduate, you may find more SAP customers looking to hire junior consultants. I didn't hear of a large number of SAP Customers in Riyadh though SAP regional office is there. In Suburbs of Riyadh there are few companies though which are running SAP for long time; one of those company was SPIMACO.. In my 5 years of experience in Kingdom, I've seen many fresh graduates who developed themselves as SAP Consultants. I hope you would also be one such consultant in a year to come, Insha Allah

And about the Certification, you may contact Naizak who provides SAP Trainings & Certification. www.naizak.com is the website to find out more about Naizak..

Good luck,

Faisal - SAP HCM Consultant